Paramedic detained under Mental Health Act weeks before Hednesford deaths

On Friday, confirming its investigation into contact police had with Mr Duffield in the weeks beforehand, the IOPC said it was specifically looking at interactions between 10 May and 14 May.

“First and foremost, my thoughts and sympathies are with Lauren and Daniel’s families and friends at this very difficult time, IOPC director David Ford said.

“We are meeting with both families to explain our role and how our investigation will progress.

“We are independent of the police and it is important that we carry out a thorough investigation, to fully establish the circumstances of what happened prior to the tragic events of 25 June.

“We will be examining concerns for welfare reported to police about Lauren and Daniel, and whether appropriate action was taken by both forces.”

Staffordshire Police has informed the IOPC that officers attended an address at the request of the ambulance service concerning the welfare of Mr Duffield on 10 May.

When outside a property, they detained him under the Mental Health Act and he was taken to a hospital, the IOPC said.

South Wales Police has said officers had face-to-face contact with Mr Duffield on 14 May, when he came into its region, over information received by police.

“We will consider if appropriate steps were taken to safeguard the welfare of Ms Evans and Mr Duffield and whether police officers and staff acted in accordance with local and national policies and procedures,” the IOPC added.